DTV arrival at BKK - Asked for work portfolio. Bring your documents!

[george]

Found a members post on DTV FB group. -->> Immigration officer did asked for proof of work portfolio on arrival at BKK. What's your thoughts guys? 

 

QUOTE FROM FB GROUP:

 

Just landed in BKK on a fresh DTV, received in Jakarta as a freelancer. I was asked by immigration what I did and asked to show proof of my work. I had to pull out my computer and walk the agent through some of my published work while explaining my career. She then asked me why I was applying in Jakarta and not in my home country.

My recommendation is to keep the documents you apply with handy upon arrival in Thailand, perhaps in a folder always accessible on your mobile.

For context, I have spent time in Thailand d and do have a couple of visa exempt entires.

Hope this is helpful to those that I have seen asking if this is happening.

END QUOTE

[Jack1988]

Nothing new for me. That's typical of thai immigration, to make your life harder haha. I am always sure that they are a bit racist with foreigners that want to come to thailand

[Phillip9]

A bit strange that someone with only "a couple of visa exempt entries" to Thailand would be applying for a DTV in Jakarta or even applying for a DTV at all.  I never trust a single report like this. 

[JoseThailand]

1 hour ago, Phillip9 said:

A bit strange that someone with only "a couple of visa exempt entries" to Thailand would be applying for a DTV in Jakarta or even applying for a DTV at all.  I never trust a single report like this. 

 

Especially from anonymous participants 

[Jack1988]

And always these women immigration officers that love to put you in trouble haha. When I land to thailand i always use male immigration officers, never had a problem

[Phillip9]

31 minutes ago, Jack1988 said:

And always these women immigration officers that love to put you in trouble haha. When I land to thailand i always use male immigration officers, never had a problem

 

That's another detail that leads me to believe this post is fake.  The poster sounds very much like a regular on these type of forums, not the newbie he claims to be.

 

If he had to pull out his laptop and do some explaining, that wouldn't be done with the initial immigration officer.  They would take him aside and a supervising officer (likely male) would handle that.  Normally someone who's actually had that experience will mention those sort of details in their post.

[DrJack54]

Certainly would be waiting for more reports.

Met young guy (not long ago UK) 

Had just entered Thailand via BKK with a DVD just obtained eVisa (granted issued in UK) 

He also was online worker option.

Zero issue at immigration on arrival.

I wonder how soft power power folk will show eg Muay Thai portfolio.

Some snaps in the gym? 

[Pattaya57]

This is just posting some anonymous post from a random Facebook group as fact on Asean Now. What's the point, OP has no idea if it's true and can't answer any questions related to the matter

[DrJack54]

2 hours ago, Phillip9 said:

If he had to pull out his laptop and do some explaining, that wouldn't be done with the initial immigration officer.  They would take him aside and a supervising officer (likely male) would handle that.  Normally someone who's actually had that experience will mention those sort of details in their post

Exactly.

The guy would have been interviewed away from immigration lines.

Would be first thing mentioned in genuine report. 

Red Flags all around this report. 

 

BTW ignore silly emoji that someone posted. 

 

[anrcaccount]

This is in contrast to the many, many reports on various forums stating they've been stamped in, no questions asked, when arriving on a DTV.

 

I'd put a lot more weight on those than this single outlier.

 

 

[Thomas72]

I just came through BKK on Sunday. Third entry on my DTV. No questions. Quick and easy.

 

I use the DTV what it's intended for - lots of in and out travel.

 

I also obtained it in my home country.

 

- Thomas

[sikishrory]

Entered twice on it. Just 1 week apart. Once in BKK once in Phuket. No issue whatsoever however I think it's a good idea to travel with the required documents and then some. A guy at the next counter also had evisa (saw the QR) and was getting asked for proof of his accomodation and the works by the looks. Could've been Tourist visa or DTV. Either way be prepared.

[Justanotherone]

portfolio + exempt stamps + been working ... mhhhhh

[MajorTom]

I have done 4 entries on my DTV visa so far. Its been a breeze. Not a single question about it. (Visa obtained in passport country)

[DrJack54]

Off topic post removed 

[Sumiyoshicho]

I arrived with my DTV, the IO told me you get a 6 months stay and then grilled me on Man UTD, the location of Manchester an how to get there.  This FB posting does not reflect the vast majority of DTVers arrivals which are drama free. 

[Rob Browder]

On 1/15/2025 at 8:16 AM, anrcaccount said:

This is in contrast to the many, many reports on various forums stating they've been stamped in, no questions asked, when arriving on a DTV.

 

I'd put a lot more weight on those than this single outlier.

Agree - but wise to have one's documentation ready.  "Outliers" are most bad-reports - until it happens to you.  An IO questioning why the DTV was not obtained in the foreigners passport-country doesn't seem surprising for Thai IOs, who seem to think coming here to spend money too much/often is some sort of "grand conspiracy against Thailand."

 

The closest thing to this report was from some Russians coming back with a DTV from Cambodia - asked to show proof-of-payment to the consulate for the DTV (receipt), then were let in.